[21M] Experiencing fatigue and reduced appetite

Patient Description

A 21-year-old male reports feeling fatigued for the past month, which becomes more noticeable during physical activities such as running. The patient also mentions a reduced appetite. However, there has been no change in weight. The fatigue is somewhat alleviated by sleep. The impact on daily activities and tasks was not specified. No other symptoms or health concerns were reported during the encounter.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it's possible that:

  • Liver Disease: A low BUN level can sometimes indicate liver disease. The liver is responsible for producing urea, so if it's not functioning properly, BUN levels in the blood can decrease. Fatigue and loss of appetite are also common symptoms of liver disease.

    • Treatment for liver disease varies depending on the cause and extent of the disease. It may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or in severe cases, a liver transplant.
  • Nutritional Deficiency: A low BUN level can also be a sign of malnutrition, which could be due to your reported loss of appetite. Fatigue is a common symptom of many nutritional deficiencies.

    • Treatment would involve addressing the deficiency through dietary changes or supplements.
  • Inflammatory or Infectious Conditions: A high platelet count is often seen in conditions that cause inflammation or infection. This could potentially be linked to your fatigue, depending on the underlying condition.

    • Treatment would depend on the specific condition causing the inflammation or infection.

Please remember that these are just possibilities, not a diagnosis.

What you can do

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and lab results in person. They may need to conduct further tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and abnormal lab results.

In the meantime, try to maintain a balanced diet and get plenty of rest. If you're feeling too fatigued to eat, try having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe fatigue that prevents you from performing daily activities
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which can be a sign of liver disease
  • Persistent or high fever
  • Severe abdominal pain

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are common symptoms of liver disease?

Common symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, and swelling in the legs and ankles.


How can nutritional deficiencies lead to fatigue?

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to fatigue because the body lacks essential nutrients needed for energy production and overall function. For example, deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D are known to cause fatigue.


What might cause a high platelet count?

A high platelet count can be caused by conditions that lead to inflammation or infection, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or certain cancers. It can also be a response to recent surgery or trauma.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for fatigue?

You should seek immediate medical attention for fatigue if it is severe enough to prevent you from performing daily activities, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like jaundice, persistent high fever, or severe abdominal pain.


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